Ge 6:1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,

Ge 6:2 That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. KJV

Ge 6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. KJV

We must establish our views of this by listing all the factors involved, as follows:

1. Who are the daughters involved?
2. Who are the giants (Nephilim?)
3. Who were the sons of God?
4. How can we be sure of our conclusions?

It is always best to solve a complex problem by finding the simplest conclusion first, and then proceeding on until a satisfactory, consensual opinion and be reached. This is what we shall do here.

Ge 6:2  That the sons of God  saw the daughters <01323>of men  that they  were fair; and they took  them wivesof all which they chose.

The identity of the daughters involved is a simple and easily defined portion of the passage. The daughters are humans who have been born to other humans. Never, in the scriptures, do we find the terms "daughters of God" in any form. Hence, there should be no doubt about the daughters of men being human females who were living at the time of the events being stated.

01323 bath {bath} from 01129 and 01121; TWOT - 254b

AV - daughter 526, town 32, village 12, owl + 03284 8, first 3, apple 1, branches 1, children 1, company 1, daughter + 08676 1, eye 1, old 1; 588

n f (noun female)

1) daughter
1a) daughter, girl, adopted daughter, daughter-in-law, sister, granddaughters, female child, cousin
1a1) as polite address n pr f
1a2) as designation of women of a particular place
2) young women, women
1a3) as personification
1a4) daughter-villages
1a5) description of character

 Ge 6:4  There were giants in the earth in those days ; and also after that , when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the samebecame mighty men which were of old, men of renown <08034>.

At this point, it would be best to explore the word renown.  Let us view Strong's definitions of the Hebrew.

08034 shem {shame}
a primitive word [perhaps rather from 07760 through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; TWOT - 2405; n m

AV - name 832, renown 7, fame 4, famous 3, named 3, named + 07121 2, famous + 07121 1, infamous + 02931 1, report 1, misc 10; 864

1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument

While looking into this area, we should consider the giants.

The Strong's number listed below explains the term giants. It is simple and clearly refers to humans. Read the passage carefully.

Ge 6:4 There weregiants <05303>in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown .

05303 n@phiyl {nef-eel'} or n@phil {nef-eel'} from 05307; TWOT - 1393a; n m AV - giant 3; 3
1) giants, the Nephilim

And so, we have a very clear indication that we are dealing with human males. After all, common sense alone dictates that the single most famous (renowned) man would be Adam, whom God Himself formed from the dust of the ground. And right after his name, would come the names of his sons -Abel, Cain and Seth. (See Genesis 5 for the lineage account of these men). Angels, you see, have not been mentioned have they?  We may then, safely assume that Adam himself, was either a giant, or had within his genetic makeup, the potential of fathering children of gigantic size.   We also have contemporay examples from time to time.

Now we must look into the words "sons" and "sons of God", since this is where the identity crisis comes into play, in the first place.

Ge 6:4  There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons <01121> of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

01121 ben {bane} from 01129; TWOT - 254; n m

AV - son 2978, children 1568, old 135, first 51, man 20, young 18, young + 01241 17, child 10, stranger 10, people 5, misc 92; 4906

1) son, grandson, child, member of a group
1a) son, male child
1b) grandson
1c) children (pl. - male and female)
1d) youth, young men (pl.)
1e) young (of animals)
1f) sons (as characterisation, ie sons of injustice [for un- righteous men] or sons of God [for angels]
1g) people (of a nation) (pl.)
1h) of lifeless things, ie sparks, stars, arrows (fig.)
1i) a member of a guild, order, class

I think we can agree that the texts and Strong's definitions indicate lucidly that we are dealing, once again, with human beings. This is consistent with the creative and lineage orders presented, and also, concurs with our interpretations of the word "renown" and its syntax.

It would be most helpful here, to look into the sons of Adam for a moment. The reason is quite elementary, since we shall see a sharp contrast between them and a result that many could overlook as we further define the terms "sons" and "sons of God."

As we all know, a major controversy occurred between those first to famous sons. One, Abel, became the first martyr; while his brother Cain, became the worlds first felon, or murderer to be specific. Let us take a moment to review what led up to this event, since it is absolutely important to both the context in general syntax, and any following definitions.

Ge 4:3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD.

Ge 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:

Ge 4:5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

The most pertinent points of these passages deal with respect and attitude. But let us be careful in our perusal here, so as to isolate the most important aspects of these men and their attitudes.

Cain, the eldest son, was what we could call, a farmer of crops. Immediately we can see a potential problem, for the ground was already under a Godly curse, because of the sins of Adam and Eve. Moreover, Cain has always been known as a less than grateful person, prone to anger and resentment. (See "brothers") Paying attention to detail shows that while Cain did present an offering, it was probably mediocre in quality, for we see written a contrasting statement when we read that Abel brought of the "firstlings" of his flock. All of this can be seen as accurate in verse 5. It can also be safely said that Cain's overall personality put "self" before selfish - worldly, before Godly. How many people do you know who claim Christianity, but have a very limited testimony, either in words or deeds.? This is your common sense appeal then, that Cain can be seen as a "son of man."

In contrast to Cain, we view Abel as a man who was critically aware of creatures. That is, we know he was well versed in the dangers and potential complications of the birth of new life, its fragility, and the awesome wonder and precious nature of a newborn. When he made his offering to God, it was with a totally unselfish protocol. Nothing would be withheld from the Creator of life, who had Himself, sacrificed the life of an animal, for the good (clothing in that case) of his earthly not "begotten" son, and his wife. Here we can see Abel as one of the "sons of God" (as was Adam). We can also see this idea captured in the New Testament as follows:

Ro 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the *sons of God.

*5207 huios {hwee-os'}

apparently a primary word; TDNT - 8:334,1206; n m

AV - son(s) 85, Son of Man + 444 87 {TDNT 8:400, 1210}, Son of God + 2316 49, child(ren) 49, Son 42, his Son + 848 21, Son of David + 1138 15 {TDNT 8:478, 1210}, my beloved Son + 27 + 3350 7, thy Son + 4575 5, only begotten Son + 3339 3, his (David's) son + 846 3, firstborn son + 4316 2, misc 14; 382

1) a son
1a) rarely used for the young of animals
1b) generally used of the offspring of men
1c) in a restricted sense, the male offspring (one born by a father and of a mother)
1d) in a wider sense, a descendant, one of the posterity of any one,
1d1) the children of Israel
1d2) sons of Abraham
1e) used to describe one who depends on another or is his follower
1e1) a pupil

2) son of man
2a) term describing man, carrying the connotation of weakness and mortality
2b) son of man, symbolically denotes the fifth kingdom in Daniel 7:13 and by this term its humanity is indicated in contrast with the barbarity and ferocity of the four preceding kingdoms (the Babylonian, the Median and the Persian, the Macedonian, and the Roman) typified by the four beasts. In the book of Enoch (2nd Century) it is used of Christ.
2c) used by Christ himself, doubtless in order that he might intimate his Messiahship and also that he might designate himself as the head of the human family, the man, the one who both furnished the pattern of the perfect man and acted on behalf of all mankind. Christ seems to have preferred this to the other Messianic titles, because by its lowliness it was least suited to foster the expectation of an earthly Messiah in royal splendour.

3) son of God
3a) used to describe Adam (Lk. 3:38)
3b) used to describe those who are born again (Lk. 20:36) and of angels and of Jesus Christ
3c) of those whom God esteems as sons, whom he loves, protects and benefits above others
3c1) in the OT used of the Jews
3c2) in the NT of Christians
3c3) those whose character God, as a loving father, shapes by chastisements (Heb. 12:5-8)
3d) those who revere God as their father, the pious worshippers of God, those who in character and life resemble God, those who are governed by the Spirit of God, repose the same calm and joyful trust in God which children do in their parents (Rom. 8:14, Gal. 3:26 ), and hereafter in the blessedness and glory of the life eternal will openly wear this dignity of the sons of God. Term used preeminently of Jesus Christ, as enjoying the supreme love of God, united to him in affectionate intimacy, privy to his saving councils, obedient to the Father's will in all his acts

For Synonyms see entry 5868

Synonyms

See Definition for paidarion 3808

See Definition for paidion 3813

See Definition for paidiske 3814

See Definition for pais 3816

See Definition for teknon 5043

See Definition for huios 5207

3813 - refers exclusively to little children

3808 - refers to a child up to his first school years

3816 - refers to a child of any age

3814 - refers to late childhood and early youth

3816, 5043 denote a child alike as respects to descent and age, reference to the later being more prominent in the

former word, to descent in 3813; but the period 3816 cover is not sharply defined; and, in classic usage as in modern,

youthful designations cleave to the female sex longer than to the male

Compare: 5043, 5207

5043 - gives prominence to physical and outward aspects of parentage

5207 - gives prominence to the inward, ethical, legal aspects of parentage

2316 theos {theh'-os}

of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with 3588) the supreme Divinity; TDNT - 3:65,322; n m

AV - God 1320, god 13, godly 3, God-ward + 4214 2, misc 5; 1343

1) a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities
2) the Godhead, trinity
2a) God the Father, the first person in the trinity
2b) Christ, the second person of the trinity
2c) Holy Spirit, the third person in the trinity
3) spoken of the only and true God
3a) refers to the things of God
3b) his counsels, interests, things due to him
4) whatever can in any respect be likened unto God, or resemble him in any way
4a) God's representative or viceregent
4a1) of magistrates and judges

Here we having the collaborating New Testament evidence of what has been stated. Do you see this as conclusive evidence that the term "sons of God" can be used for humans, without including angels?

The term "sons of God" also has another connotation, which is the very root cause of the controversy. Some theologians hold a view that the Book of Job, is an earlier manuscript than is the Book of Genesis. If that were ever proven to be the case, the "sons of God" terminology would also have predated what you have already read. The most important aspect though, lies not in the age of a manuscript, but rather, in the alternative understanding of the "sons of God" as being angels.

Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD , and Satan came also among them.

Job 2:1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.

Job 38:7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons <01121>of God shouted for joy?

Strong's definitions are listed below.
01121 ben {bane} from 01129; TWOT - 254; n m

AV - son 2978, children 1568, old 135, first 51, man 20, young 18, young + 01241 17, child 10, stranger 10, people 5, misc 92; 4906

1) son, grandson, child, member of a group
1a) son, male child
1b) grandson
1c) children (pl. - male and female)
1d) youth, young men (pl.)
1e) young (of animals)
1f) sons (as characterisation, ie sons of injustice [for un- righteous men] or sons of God [for angels]
1g) people (of a nation) (pl.)
1h) of lifeless things, ie sparks, stars, arrows (fig.)

1i) a member of a guild, order, class

0430 'elohiym {el-o-seem'} plural of 0433; TWOT - 93c; n m p

AV - God 2346, god 244, judge 5, GOD 1, goddess 2, great 2, mighty 2, angels 1, exceeding 1, God-ward + 04136 1, godly 1; 2606

1) (plural)
1a) rulers, judges
1b) divine ones
1c) angels
1d) gods

2) (plural intensive - singular meaning)
2a) god, goddess
2b) godlike one
2c) works or special possessions of God
2d) the (true) God
2e) God

This term then, refers to members of the heavenly host.  They are certainly not humans, for they are present in the court of God in heaven.  We can feel assured then, that the term "sons of God" refers to both human and angelic beings;  that are distinct and seperated from each other, unless God makes some other arrangement as you will see in the next section.

As we study the scriptures, some things become very clear when it comes to the word angels. The interpretation in either the Old or New Testaments are in perfect agreement. Angels are a specific order of Heavenly beings who have a very specific mission from God. Listed below are the proper Old Testament and New Testament definitions.

04397 mal'ak {mal-awk'} from an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; TWOT - 1068a; n m

AV - angel 111, messenger 98, ambassadors 4, variant 1; 214

1) messenger, representative
1a) messenger
1b) angel
1c) the theophanic angel

32 aggelos {ang'-el-os}

from aggello [probably derived from 71, cf 34] (to bring tidings); TDNT - 1:74,12; n m

AV - angel 179, messenger 7; 186

1) a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God

In order to obtain a balanced view of what has been shown, we must include other scriptures which are not always specific, but relevant to the proposition that God has never intended an human/angel creature. At first you may see cause for disagreement, and that is alright. For if you make an exegetical perusal of the scriptures we will now address, any remaining doubts will vanish.

Listed below are both Old and New Testament examples of the mission and purpose of angels. No dialogue will be needed, as the passages can speak for themselves.

Ge 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims <03742>, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

03742 k@ruwb {ker-oob'} of uncertain derivation; TWOT - 1036; n m AV - cherubims 64, cherub 27; 91

1) cherub, cherubim (pl)
1a) an angelic being
1a1) as guardians of Eden
1a2) as flanking God's throne
1a3) as an image form hovering over the Ark of the Covenant
1a4) as the chariot of Jehovah (fig.)

Ge 16:7 And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

Ge 24:40 And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father's house:

Isa 37:36 Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.

Ps 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Mt 1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Mt 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

Lu 1:19 And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings.

Ge 19:1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

Ps 104:4 Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire:

Ps 148:2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.

Mt 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Mt 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Mt 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

Mr 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead , they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven .

1Co 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life?